What to eat, where to stay, and what to visit in the Galapagos Islands?

The best of the Galapagos in a single travel guide.

Are you planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands for your vacation? It’s a great idea. There are several places in the world where you can see a wide variety of species up close; however, none are as fantastic as the Galapagos Islands. So, we want to help you plan the best options for dining, lodging, activities, and transportation.

What to eat in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands belong to the Republic of Ecuador, a country located in South America, and therefore have a marked culinary influence from the continent’s traditions, combining fresh local ingredients with international flavors. Some of the dishes you might find on your trip to the Galapagos Islands include:

Sopa marinera: This is a classic Ecuadorian soup; it's made with various types of fresh fish and seafood from the islands and prepared in a flavorful broth flavored with herbs and spices. It's an ideal choice to start any meal.
Seafood Encocado: This is a dish from the Ecuadorian coast that you'll find in the Galapagos Islands. It's prepared with seafood like shrimp, fish, or lobster in a delicious coconut sauce. It's often accompanied by a fresh salad and green plantain tostones.
Ceviche: This dish is quite traditional; it consists of adding seafood or raw fish marinated in seasoned citrus juices. There are many varieties of this dish, such as shrimp or fish ceviche; it is usually accompanied with chifles and toasted popped corn.
Lobster: The Galapagos lobster is well-known for its flavor and tenderness. It's also rich in vitamins and low in fat. You'll find it prepared in a variety of ways: with garlic, grilled, encocada, and more.
Witchfish: This is a species endemic to the island, and the most popular way to prepare it is in the oven. It has a delicious, fresh flavor; eating it is truly a unique experience because it is only found in the Galapagos.
Local Desserts: In the archipelago, you'll find some sweet options like tropical fruits, the most popular being guava and passion fruit; there are also other local desserts like leaf cheese with dulce de leche.

Recommended restaurants

At Galapagos Elements, we have several friends who offer varied and delicious dining options throughout the archipelago.

Albita (Isabela Island): If you are looking for meals away from seafood, Albita is the ideal option, it has delicious dishes of cuts and grilled meats.
Yogurt Island (San Cristóbal): Here you'll find fast food and lighter options, like delicious yuca breads and frozen yogurt.
Ayora Resto Wine (Puerto Ayora): The new concept restaurant by the renowned Andrés Arroba, offers traditional Ecuadorian dishes with his characteristic innovation that made him a Masterchef winner.

What to do in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos National Park has immense ecological value; therefore, the state, residents, and tourists work to preserve the unique flora and fauna found here. Most activities revolve around nature, observing species and marine life, and hiking through its volcanic surroundings. Some must-do activities include:

Snorkeling and Diving: Fantastic spots like Kicker Rock near San Cristobal, Los Tuneles on Isabela Island, and Devil's Crown on Floreana are ideal for marine wildlife enthusiasts. However, all along the Galapagos coast, you can spot schools of tropical fish, turtles, sea lions, and a couple of hammerhead sharks just hanging out.
Kayaking Excursions: On several of the archipelago's beaches, famous for their idyllic white sand and deep blue sea, you can navigate the calm waters around the mangroves that form along the coast and spot birds and sea lions that gather there.
Hiking: Explore volcanic landscapes, rainforests, and nature trails filled with colorful flowers and native cacti. There are beautiful spots like Los Gemelos in Santa Cruz, the Sierra Negra Volcano in Isabela, and Puerto Chino and Cerro Tijeretas in San Cristóbal.
Birdwatching: The Galapagos are a paradise for bird lovers. They are everywhere, and during migration season, the islands become their permanent destination. So, on your trip, you can observe blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and Darwin's finches.
Bike Tours In Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal there are ideal trails where you can take a leisurely bike ride. One of the favorite plans is to tour the pier or head to Laguna de Las Ninfas.

Where to stay in the Galapagos Islands?

In the Galapagos Islands, there are several accommodation options, ranging from boutique hotels to more affordable options. Our favorite is the Ikala Galápagos Hotel in Puerto Ayora. This hotel is an excellent choice if you want to enjoy a comfortable stay. It has a modern atmosphere and nautical decor. The rooms are quite comfortable, and the common areas are quite cool. The patios feature beautiful areas and a pool where you can take a dip to cool off during your days off in the Galapagos. It also has an elegant restaurant called La Terraza, which overlooks the pier and offers delicious culinary options.

What to visit in the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are a fascinating destination; exploring just one island isn’t enough to truly appreciate the archipelago’s natural beauty. Each island is different from the others and boasts unique flora and fauna. Therefore, we recommend exploring the archipelago on an island hopping tour that will take you to the best spots. Some recommended stops include:

Santa Cruz:

On this island is the Charles Darwin Research Station, a place dedicated to the conservation of species such as Galapagos tortoises.
Tortuga Bay: This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador and is ideal for surfers.
Las grietas: A natural pool with crystal-clear waters and surrounded by volcanic formations.

Isabela Island:

Saint Christopher:

Kicker Rock: An iconic rock formation for deep-sea diving and snorkeling to spot species such as fish, turtles, sea lions, and sharks.
La Lobería: A quiet beach to relax and watch sea lions playing and sunbathing on the shore.
Interpretation Center: Here, visitors learn about the history and ecology of the Galapagos.

Floreana Island:

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